SB 5255 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning juvenile detention pending disposition of a crime.

This bill changes Washington state law governing when juveniles can be held in detention before their court case concludes. Juveniles may only be detained if a court finds probable cause they pose a threat to safety, might skip court, or committed specific serious offenses like rape, gun possession, or vehicle theft - where detention is mandatory. It also requires courts to consider community-based alternatives (such as counseling or community service) instead of detention when appropriate, and sets clear conditions for release on probation bonds. The law aims to balance public safety concerns with reducing unnecessary juvenile incarceration.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026
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2
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Committee
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Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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